Chair Studdard presented a plaque to Board Member Betsy Condon for her 4 years of loyal and dedicated service as the District 3 school board member, 2014-2018.   Superintendent Davis followed, presenting a plaque to Carol Studdard for her year of service as the School Board Chair.

Mrs. Studdard introduced Mrs. Ellen Boyer and Cub Scout Pack 25 who were in attendance at the meeting.

The followings students were recognized as first place winners in this year's contest which addressed the ideas of citizenship (Gr. K-2) and our Constitution (Gr. 3-5).

• Kindergarten - Gage Fischer, Clay Virtual
• First Grade - Jaylynn Gayle, McRae Elementary
• Second Grade - Llewellyn Kaiser, Plantation Oaks Elementary
• Third Grade - Peyton, Rumsey, Orange Park Elementary
• Fourth Grade - Alexa Villaroman, Grove Park Elementary
• Fifth Grade - Jaslene Diaz, Argyle Elementary

• Leigh Ann Lunsford - School Board District 5 Candidate
• Joshua Allen - Integrity (SB District 5)
• Joe Condon - Board Member Qualifications/Integrity
• Jenifer Burghart - Professional Development and Class Size
• Fran Bentley - Mental Health Issues

Following approval of the Consent Agenda, Chair Studdard read Proclamation 19-05 for Family Engagement Month (Consent Item C5).

Superintendent Davis' update included the following topics:

• Community Connections - a new initiative to gain access to all stakeholders;
• Update on Superintendent's Student Advisory Council -  held thus far two meetings this school year; elected Senior Cara Toney (Middleburg High) as Chair and Junior Abigail Ferry (Orange Park High) as Vice Chair;
• School Recognition Funds - process is unclear; clarified the School Advisory Council identifies the plan for how the money will be used at their school;
• Teacher of the Year Pinning Ceremony - held October 31, 2018;
• Champions of Change - OPH Leadership Team for continuously improving academics and the climate and culture at Orange Park High School

Chair Studdard opened the floor for discussion.  Board members expressed their opinions.

• Mrs. Bolla would like to consider the option of having two attorneys, one for the School Board, and one to serve the Superintendent and staff.   
• Mrs. Gilhousen preferred to consider an outside firm for the School Board attorney and an in-house staff attorney.
• Mrs. Condon spoke from the citizen perspective and implored the Board to be open-minded and consider holding a workshop so the public could observe the discussion and process. 
• Mrs. Kerekes felt the decision should be made by the new Board. 
• Mrs. Studdard expressed her biggest concern as the timing with Dr. D'Agata's last day being December 21, 2018.

In light of the timing issue, Dr. D'Agata encouraged the Board to proceed with looking for viable candidates during November.  This would still allow the new Board to make the final decision on the candidates.  He expressed his opinion that given the workload on both sides, two positions are justified.  He noted that cost-savings and better services would likely be achieved with an in-house attorney for staff that could respond to daily needs and operational concerns.  He also noted that the Clay County Board of County Commissioners successfully utilized the services of Colin Baenziger & Associates not so long ago in finding and placing an excellent County Attorney.

Following discussion, the Board agreed to move the time for the workshop on November 26, 2018, to begin at 8:00 a.m. so that an additional item could be added to the agenda for further discussion on legal services.  

There were none

Dr. D'Agata conveyed his appreciation to Board Member Condon for her service, professionalism, and responsiveness to School Board business. 

Board Members commented on recent school and community events they attended.  They each also expressed their appreciation and well wishes to Mrs. Condon on her four years of service on the Clay County School Board.  

Mrs. Bolla requested workshops on the topics of financial planning, discussion and review of the Superintendent's salary, and legislative priorities.  Mrs. Bolla also distributed a handout with information about the Clay County Education Foundation's classroom minigrants and the 2017-2018 funding sources.

Mrs. Condon commended the Superintendent and staff regarding AMI Kids adjustments that will allow some students from the Keystone Heights area to attend the program.

Mrs. Studdard restated that she plans to add an item to the January agenda for review of the Superintendent's salary.